Bay & Beyond Project begins; Upcoming MAHC Public Sessions; New Superintendent at TLDSB; Worst Roads in Central Ontario; Physician Recruitment in Huntsville; and Refreshment Vehicle at public beach

Select Muskoka Newsbites from various sources including our own reporting, media releases, and a few notes contributed by our friends at The Bay 88.7 FM.

Bay and Beyond Project Begins in Gravenhurst

The Bay and Beyond infrastructure project in Gravenhurst is set to kick-off construction and road closures as of June 3.

The project begins with improvements to James Street, which will then serve as the designated detour route ahead of the first phase of construction on Bay Street, scheduled to start late in the week.

Increased safety measures will be in place to ensure safety for motorists and pedestrians navigating construction areas. These measures include crossing guards in school zones, intersection timing adjustments, directional signage, and onsite flaggers.  

Things to note for the week of June 3, include James Street will be fully closed overnight on June 3 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for resurfacing and road improvements; single lane closures on James Street will occur during the week while new paint markings and adjustments are made to James Street and the James St./Muskoka Rd. intersection; and by the end of the week, Bay and Beyond will enter the first phase of construction and the James Street detour route will be in effect.  

Once that phase begins, Bay Street will be fully closed between Steamship Bay Rd., N. Muldrew Lake Rd. and the east entrance of Muskoka Wharf (908 Bay Street).  

Find maps, frequently asked questions and more at: www.engagemuskoka.ca/BayAndBeyond  

For those unaware, the Bay and Beyond includes replacing underground pipes from 1944, improving the road platform, enhancements to pedestrian safety, and creating more opportunities for active transportation. This phased partnership construction project with the District of Muskoka and Town of Gravenhurst spans approximately 1.9 kilometers and is expected to be completed in 2026. 

Upcoming MAHC Public Engagement Dates

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) announced a series of community engagement sessions being held at both hospitals (Huntsville and Bracebridge) on June 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2024.

A survey will also be made available for those unable to attend in person. This phase of “community engagement” includes more intimate, small-group discussions to cover topics such as a deep dive into the redevelopment model, transforming local health care, sharing thoughts and concerns, brainstorming ideas to support their proposed transformation, collaborating on solutions, and “aligning and energizing our community.”

Those interested in attending one or all of the 1.5 hour long sessions (space is limited) must register at www.madeinmuskokahealthcare.ca/events

The survey is available at the MAHC redevelopment website.

For those unaware of our well-rounded coverage that offers a differing viewpoint to this situation, please visit The Chris O Show with Guest Tim Withey and Show Us The Money.

New TLDSB Superintendent of Learning

It’s been a busy week for Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB).

A day after announcing they’re joining the school board lawsuit against the social media giants, they announced a new superintendent of learning.

Nikki Train has been appointed to that role and is taking over the Special Education Services portfolio and other responsibilities. Train replaces retiring superintendent Paul Goldring.

Wes Hahn, director of education, praised Train’s wealth of experience in school leadership and special education. Currently the district principal of Special Education Services at District School Board of Niagara (DSBN), Train has served as a school administrator since 2012, focusing on enhancing student achievement in literacy and mathematics.

Train will assume her position on September 1.

Bracebridge on Worst Roads List

Fraserburg Road in Bracebridge was named among the CAA’s Top 5 worst roads in Central Ontario this week.

Central Ontario encompasses the region of Bruce County, Dufferin County, Grey County, Muskoka District, and Simcoe County.

The top five worst roads in this region are: 1. Laclie Street, Orillia, 2. Huronia Road, Barrie, 3. Fraserburg Road, Bracebridge, 4. Essa Road, Barrie, 5. Victoria Street, Barrie.

Anyone who has driven through Barrie is nodding knowingly that three of their roads are on this list.

Huntsville approves Physician Recruitment Program

During their May regular council meeting, Huntsville Council approved a new physician recruitment program that will see physicians being paid between $60,000 and $80,000 in bonus money if certain criteria is met.

The plan offers $60,000 per physician taking over an existing practice and up to a maximum of $80,000 per physician establishing a new family practice signing incentive per physician as selected through the recruitment process and to a maximum of ten (10) physicians in total.

Other incentives include waiving fees for a one-year family membership for the Muskoka Heritage Place and Pioneer Village, and for the Family Skate and Swimming.

Recruitment funds will be allocated from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve, while an amendment to the Town’s kickstart program (a separate doctor recruitment program) was also approved.

This amendment allows for funding additional community incentives of $1000 per doctor up to 10 doctors (total $10,000) to be spent in addition to the $10,000 already budgeted in the Healthcare Attraction Promotion budget for 2024 to be funded by MAT. This amendment also increases the draft 2025 and 2026 budget for this program from $10,000 to $20,000.

Refreshment Truck at public beach this summer

Windmill Bakery & Bistro has received a business license for a refreshment vehicle to be operated at Hutcheson Beach this summer.

Despite some reservations from council following a presentation by Windmill’s Grace Willows, which asked for a license for both the Port Sydney Beach and Hutcheson, Council eventually approved a pilot project and is allowing Windmill Bakery to operate at the Huntsville-based beach.

Concerns included the potential negative impact on year-round businesses and issues such as parking shortages and safety at Port Sydney Beach.

Staff were also instructed to develop a policy for refreshment vehicles on public lands, which will be reviewed by Council before summer 2025.